Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 1039 Cause and Effect
Fang Yu looked at the group of people who possessed wealth, power, or status in human society, yet now appeared so small and helpless in the face of unknown terror. He then looked at Qi Ge, whose face was pale but whose eyes burned with resentment as he had grasped part of the truth, and sighed inwardly.

These local powers and clever people did not seem to be as ignorant and passive as he had initially imagined.

They are also working hard, trying to use scientific methods and the resources at their disposal to analyze and combat this supernatural phenomenon, and at one point even thought they had found hope.

Unfortunately, the absolute asymmetry of information and the insurmountable gap in strength between the two sides meant that all their efforts and struggles would probably seem like a child's game to the "hunter" in a higher dimension, or even... like a carefully choreographed, ironic farce.

It wasn't that they weren't working hard enough, but rather that the enemy they faced was on a much higher level.

So high... that their wisdom and efforts were transformed into a catalyst for despair.

The air in the corridor became even more stagnant and cold because of the appearance of the word "spirit" and the terrible inferences that followed.

Despair, like a thick, tangible fog, enveloped everyone's heart.

After thinking for a moment, Fang Yu slowly spoke. His voice was not loud, but it carried a strange penetrating power, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present who was filled with anxiety.

“Since a countdown has appeared above your heads, it means that the power of the [spirit] has clearly interfered with this area. As long as it has appeared and interfered with reality, no matter how incomprehensible it is, it will inevitably leave traces. These traces may defy common sense, may be extremely subtle, but they will never be completely absent.”

His gaze, like a searchlight, slowly swept over the group of men and women who occupied a place at the top of the social pyramid, yet were now like frightened birds. Finally, his calm and sharp gaze settled on Brother Qi: "Brother Qi, who was the first person on your side to notice the abnormality, or the first person to clearly see the countdown signal above their head? Where were they at the time? I need the most precise information."

The essence of this question is actually the most basic and common-sense first step in investigating any abnormal event: tracing the source.

Those who were able to gather at this secret stronghold and learn about the "safe zone" early on are by no means mediocre, whether due to their vast wealth, real power, or their own extraordinary abilities and information networks. They are truly outstanding individuals, the cream of the crop.

They certainly wouldn't be so unaware of this most basic logic.

However, there is a chasm between theory and reality called "absolute death".

Based on the brutal understanding built up from countless bloody cases, anyone who is marked by that invisible countdown has entered a deadly situation, and so far, there have been no exceptions!

Faced with this absolute threat, like the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, where every second counts down to their death, primal panic is enough to break down the dam of reason that most people rely on for survival. They instinctively fall into extreme fear of death itself and the urgency to grasp at the last straw, temporarily neglecting the most basic, and perhaps most crucial, investigative steps.

Of course, there are also people in the crowd with extremely strong minds who can maintain a sense of clarity and calm even in dire straits.

Qi Ge is one of the best among them.

Although his own life was also entering the brutal twelve-hour countdown, and his forehead was even beaded with cold sweat from suppressing his fear, the tough nerves he had honed over years of navigating the gray areas and his precise grasp of the situation allowed him to forcefully suppress the surging panic.

He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady, and replied, "Mr. Fang, we noticed this crucial point immediately. We confirmed that four people were the first to react to the countdown, and they discovered it almost simultaneously. We have already... taken them into custody and temporarily isolated them to avoid unnecessary panic and accidents."

He paused, seemingly carefully choosing the tone of his next word, before adding, his tone carrying a barely perceptible gravity: "As for the specific locations where their accidents occurred... the distribution is somewhat subtle, seemingly covering several different directions around the hotel. Mr. Fang, I think you might get a more direct and accurate assessment if you personally inquire with them and conduct an on-site inspection."

As soon as he finished speaking, the middle-aged man next to him, who had been silent but had a calm and steady demeanor, wearing a well-tailored dark executive jacket and known as "Minister Chen," immediately took half a step forward.

His movements were not fast, but they carried an unquestionable decisiveness and the imposing presence that came from long-term high-ranking positions.

"I'll go with you."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear and brooked no argument.

He needs to have firsthand information, which is not only about his personal life and death, but may also involve broader order and stability and possible follow-up strategies; this is his duty.

Almost simultaneously, Mr. Wang also hurriedly squeezed forward, but this time, he did not see his daughter.

“Mr. Fang, Brother Qi, Minister Chen, I’ll come along too. After all, I know every corner, every passage, and even the angle of every surveillance camera here like the back of my hand. If I lead the way, it will definitely save a lot of time and make it easier for everyone to check!”

Qi Ge immediately stepped aside and whispered to Fang Yu, "Mr. Fang, this is Minister Chen, who is mainly responsible for some... special security and stability maintenance matters in this city."

As for Mr. Wang, I've met him before, so there's no need for further introduction.

Minister Chen and President Wang both showed Fang Yu the most amiable, gentle, and even obviously ingratiating smiles.

Before this mysterious being, who might be the only one capable of turning the tide and pulling them back from the brink of death, the airs and dignity they usually relied on to maintain their status and position were temporarily and tactfully set aside.

"lead the way."

Fang Yu made no further comment, simply uttering two words in a calm and unwavering tone, yet conveying an unquestionable command.

Led by Mr. Wang's somewhat solicitous manner, the group silently walked through the hotel's luxuriously decorated main corridor, which was softly lit but felt exceptionally empty and quiet due to the lack of people, and turned towards the annex area.

The expensive carpet underfoot absorbed all footsteps; only suppressed breathing and the faint rustling of clothes echoed, creating an atmosphere as heavy as if one were heading to the execution ground.

Finally, they stopped outside the door of a relatively secluded luxury suite located deep inside the annex.

Fang Yu glanced over and realized that the so-called "control" was not the kind of dark prison cell with cold iron cages that he subconsciously associated with based on his extensive gaming experience.

The scene before us is much more "civilized".

The four people were simply placed together in a spacious and comfortable suite, with two guards in custom-made black suits, tall and strong, with sharp eyes and a calm and composed demeanor, standing at the door.

Fang Yu immediately realized that he had been playing too many games and had almost forgotten that this was a civilized society. "Boss!"

"boss!"

Upon seeing their boss appear, the two guards immediately snapped to attention, standing ramrod straight like soldiers undergoing inspection, and reported in loud, clear voices: "Report! The four targets remained inside the room the entire time, did not leave, and no one attempted to break in or make contact with them!"

Their posture and tone clearly showed that they had undergone rigorous professional training, and even had a touch of military style.

"Okay." President Wang nodded, the stern expression he habitually wore when facing his subordinates softening slightly.

He immediately turned around, and when he faced Fang Yu, he leaned forward almost imperceptibly, making a standard, respectful "please" gesture, his waist unconsciously bending a little. "Mr. Fang, please."

Fang Yu didn't stand on ceremony and directly pushed open the heavy solid wood door.

The suite's living room is quite spacious and luxuriously decorated, with soft cashmere carpets, leather sofas, and exquisite art pieces. However, at this moment, these expensive items fail to bring any comfort; instead, they make the space feel somewhat oppressive and cramped.

In the living room, four people—three men and one woman—were sitting on the sofa.

They were all wearing uniform, dark-colored security uniforms made of materials that were clearly superior to those of ordinary employees, and with a well-fitting cut that facilitated movement.

Upon seeing the door open and so many people rush in, especially recognizing President Wang and the distinguished Minister Chen walking in front, the four of them almost reflexively jumped up from the sofa.

Their faces drained of color instantly, their lips pressed tightly together, and their eyes were filled with an undisguised, immense fear and terror of their unknown fate.

Despite their best efforts to remain calm and professional, their slightly hunched backs, uncontrollably trembling hands and knees, and rapid, unsteady breathing betrayed the turmoil raging within them.

Seeing this, Brother Qi immediately stepped forward and stood slightly ahead of Fang Yu, saying in a calm and reassuring tone, "Don't be nervous, relax. This is Mr. Fang, an expert we invited to handle this special incident. He... has the ability, and may, give you a chance to live."

He deliberately avoided absolute words like "guarantee" or "certainly," but the words "chance to survive" possessed boundless magic at that moment.

These words were like a drop of sweet spring water thrown into a dry and desperate desert.

The four people, whose eyes had just been filled with fear and confusion, suddenly burst into disbelief, their gazes fixed intently on Fang Yu. Their eyes were a mixture of extreme longing, humble pleading, and a hint of unbelievable ecstasy.

"Mr. Fang! Is it true? You...you can really save us?"

The youngest-looking man, with a hint of naiveté in his brows, was the first to speak. His voice trembled noticeably with excitement and fear. He instinctively took a half-step forward, seemingly wanting to grab Fang Yu's arm, but restrained himself at the last moment.

"Mr. Fang! Save me! Please, you must save me! I... I only have less than an hour left!!"

Another slightly older man with a faint scar on his cheek was even more agitated. His voice was trembling with emotion, and his legs went weak, almost causing him to kneel down on the spot.

"I want to live! Mr. Fang, I'm willing to do anything, no matter the cost! I just want to live!"

The only woman among the four bit her lower lip tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms, trying to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. Her voice was choked with emotion but carried a fierce edge.

"Mr. Fang, please give us your orders regarding any cooperation you require! We will absolutely obey!"

The last person was the most composed. He tried to straighten his back, but his clenched fists and white knuckles betrayed that his inner peace was not as calm as it appeared.

Despite being completely shrouded in the shadow of death, and with the primal fear of death evident, the four individuals still displayed a level of mental fortitude and discipline far exceeding that of ordinary people. They did not completely break down or lose control, and were still able to communicate clearly and maintain self-control.

Fang Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he was greatly surprised.

The reactions of these people, whether it was their posture, the tenacity in their eyes, or their obedience under such extreme pressure, were not like those of ordinary hotel security personnel. They were more like... professionals who had undergone special training or had been in high-pressure environments for a long time.

He glanced thoughtfully at President Wang beside him, then swept his gaze over Minister Chen, who was observing silently with a calm expression and deep eyes, and he already understood.

These secret outposts, operated by local tycoons and powerful government officials to deal with certain "special situations," are staffed by people responsible for security in the core areas. These people are unlikely to be ordinary security company employees; they are highly likely to be elite personnel who have undergone rigorous political vetting, have clean backgrounds, and have received professional, possibly even military, training. Some of them may even have special backgrounds.

Fang Yu didn't reveal anything. Now was not the time to investigate the details of these people's identities; resolving the immediate crisis of death was the top priority.

"Relax,"

Fang Yu spoke, his voice possessing a peculiar quality—calm and steady, as if carrying a soothing power that caused the four to involuntarily relax their tense nerves a little.

"Now, tell me the specifics of what happened. Where exactly did you find that countdown above your head? Describe your surroundings, what you were doing, and any subtle unusual sensations you felt, in as much detail as possible."

The four exchanged glances, each seeing the same fear and a glimmer of hope ignited in the other's eyes.

Finally, the most composed man, known as "Old Chen," took the lead in narrating, clearly stating: "Mr. Fang, we are very certain of the time; it was exactly 3:17 AM this morning. The four of us are the security team leaders responsible for patrolling the perimeter of different areas."

"How can it be so precise?" Fang Yu pressed.

"Because we were conducting our routine hourly communication, confirming the security status of our respective areas of responsibility via walkie-talkie."

(End of this chapter)